Odella Mathias

Odella Graf Mathias, 87, Jamestown, ND, died Monday, July 22, 2013, at her home.

Odella Gunsch was born March 30, 1926, in Gackle, ND, the daughter of Fredrick and Christine (Frey) Gunsch. As a child, they moved to Medina, ND, attending school in Medina and Dawson. She worked for the Dewald Grocery Store. On November 22, 1943, Odella married Elmer Graf and they farmed the Graf farm until 1975. Elmer passed away January 30, 1976. Odella moved to Jamestown in 1977, and worked for Central Dakota Nursing Home. She married Eston Mathias on October 25, 1980. He passed away February 24, 1988.

Odella was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Jamestown. She was vice-president of the German Heritage Society James Valley Chapter, life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Commander of the D.A.V. for many years, member of the VFW Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and the German Heritage Singers. She enjoyed spending time with her family & friends. Her hobbies were cooking, gardening, and yard work. Odella had the gift for playing piano by ear.

Odella is survived by two grandsons, David (fiance LaShae Michels) and Andrew Graf, Bismarck, ND; one great-granddaughter, Mikayla Graf; daughter-in-law, Lynette Graf Boyko, Bismarck; one sister, Helen Hillius, Centralia, WA; two sisters-in-law, Lillian Gunsch and Mary Trautman, both of Jamestown; three step-daughters, Judy Beir, San Diego, CA, Marlys Jensen, Grand Forks, ND, and Joan Mathias, Maple Grove, MN, and one step-son, Wade Mathias, Tempe, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; son, Roger Graf; parents; five brothers and seven sisters.